Boann Distillery
Family-run independent distillery on the banks of the River Boyne in Drogheda, County Louth, owned and operated by the Cooney family. Named after Boann, the Celtic goddess associated with the River Boyne — whose name is said to derive from the goddess herself — the distillery marked its founding on 13 December 2019, bringing whiskey production back to Drogheda after a 160-year absence. Master Distiller is Michael Walsh, Ireland's youngest Master Distiller at the time of appointment. The distillery integrates both a brewery and distillery on the same Drogheda site, reflecting the historic link between brewing and Irish whiskey production.
Tours
Available
On-site Shop
Open
Online Shop
Available
History
The Cooney family conceived of the Boann Distillery project as an ambitious effort to restore whiskey making to Drogheda, a town on the River Boyne associated with both ancient myth and industrial history. Planning and construction preceded the official distilling start date; distillation commenced on 13 December 2019, a date the family celebrates as the distillery's founding moment. The name Boann (sometimes spelled Bóinn) honours the Celtic river goddess who, according to Irish mythology, gave the River Boyne its name and character.
The distillery's inaugural commercial brand, The Whistler Irish Whiskey, launched in the United States in 2020, initially using sourced whiskey to bring the brand to market while the distillery's own-distilled stock matured. Since 2024 the distillery has bottled under the Boann name — releasing single malt, single grain, and single pot still expressions from its own maturing stock, marking the maturity of the distillery's first whiskeys. Michael Walsh, appointed as Ireland's youngest Master Distiller, has guided the flavour direction of both the Whistler commercial range and the premium Boann own-distilled releases.
Production
Boann Distillery produces single malt, single grain, and single pot still Irish whiskeys alongside gin and vodka. The distillery and brewery operate in tandem on the same Drogheda site. The brewery provides the fermentation expertise that informs the distillery's approach to wash preparation. All whiskey is produced in copper pot stills to Irish whiskey legal standards. No specific still sizes or capacity figures have been publicly stated by the distillery.
Tasting Character
The flagship Whistler Triple Oak Small Batch is a triple blend of single pot still, single malt, and single grain whiskey — a characteristically Irish approach to blending three distinct spirit styles for a balanced, fruit-forward, and smooth result. The whiskey is accessible and approachable rather than challenging, aimed at both the Irish domestic market and the important American export market. The Boann own-distilled releases since 2024 offer a closer look at the distillery's house character: the single pot still in particular shows the classic Irish pot still profile of fresh orchard fruit, gentle spice, and creamy texture.
What They Produce
Notable Bottlings
- Whistler Triple Oak Small Batch£31.95 — Blend of pot still, single malt, and grain; accessible and fruit-forward; core commercial expression
- Whistler I Love You£60.50 — Expression aimed at the American market and gifting occasions
- Boann Single Malt£60.50 — Own-distilled; first released 2024; clean, cereal-forward Irish single malt character
- Boann Single Grain£69.50 — Own-distilled; light and creamy grain whiskey character
- Boann Single Pot Still£69.50 — Own-distilled; classic Irish pot still character with orchard fruit and spice
Visiting
Tours are available at the distillery on the banks of the Boyne in Drogheda. An online shop and physical shop are both available. For current tour booking and opening times, see boanndistillery.ie. Address: Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland.
Official Website
